The inauguration Thursday set George W. Bush's second term into motion. His accomplishments and decisions during the next four years will eventually define how history will perceive Bush's tenure as president. It will take years to evaluate the true scope of his legislative influence. Although for the most part, how he will be remembered lies in the balance of just one issue - Iraq.

Bush will be considered a failure if an independent democratic society does not emerge in Iraq. The United States has made too many sacrifices for victory to not occur in a country that has been ruled by fear for decades. At first, our goal was to rid the world of weapons of mass destruction. We found only traces. Now, we need to stabilize a volatile culture that seems to understand conflict much better than it does peace.

Whether you agree with our presence in Iraq or not, our service men and women are in the middle of it. We need to stand behind them while they finish the job. We can agree to disagree on why or if we should even be in the trenches, but we must stay united with our troops.

Here in the states, we need to support them any way we can. When they come home, we need to line the streets and show our appreciation. Until then, our message should be "Bring the Guard home."

The National Guard's first wave of troops have been deployed long enough. Sometimes nicknamed "Weekend Warriors," these men and women have proven that they are all "Full-time Warriors."

Our government must provide troops with adequate tools to stay as safe as they can. Going into war with subpar armor is like trying to print a newspaper without a press. It just doesn't make sense.

Public opinion on Iraq is as diverse as this great nation. Our ability to be different is our bond.

We have gone from one version of "shock and awe" to another based in wonderment of when it will all be over. Families need their mothers, fathers, sons and daughters back home where they belong. We can't leave Iraq right now, but the administration can make a plan to bring them home while we accomplish our goal as well.

Health care, social security, education are all issues Bush will deal with in the next four years, but without total victory in Iraq, his claim to fame will probably be a claim to shame.